CAMARILLO | West Ventura County Focus

Council Backs Using Hospital as University

The Camarillo City Council has agreed to support the recommendation of a gubernatorial task force concluding the Camarillo State Hospital should be converted to a public university after the facility closes in July.

But in a letter to be sent to Gov. Pete Wilson, council members also will express concern over the potential impact the university would have on the nearby city.

At a meeting late Wednesday, council members said they worried about sections of the task force plan that call for local government to help provide flood-control protections, street and road improvements and utility services.

City officials also are worried that a proposed research and development park on the university property would take business away from nearby cities.

"This type of development may be in direct competition with other business parks and business developments in most jurisdictions within the county," Planning Director Matthew A. Boden said.

Nonetheless, the council unanimously approved the concept of converting the mental hospital into a public university.